Community Access hosted its 25th Annual Good Neighbor Gala on May 20th, honoring Board President, Stephen H. Chase, with the Humanitarian Award for his 25 years of dedicated service and tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of the organization. The evening also celebrated the 15th Anniversary of Community Access' Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy and Training Center—our award-winning job training and placement program for New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities-and premiered an inspiring new video about the work and impact of the Center.
We are proud to announce that the gala raised $510,000—our most successful event ever—thanks to the outpouring of generosity from friends and supporters. We extend special recognition and thanks to our gala leadership for helping make this event possible: Gala Chair, David Kuperberg, Gala Vice-Chairs, Frederick S. Adler and Edward Strong, and Honorary Co-Chairs, Michael Benjamin, New York State Assemblyman and Rosie Mendez, New York City Council Member, District 2.
Now more than ever, especially in this economy when there is a growing need for Community Access' programs and services, we count on the support of caring neighbors to help us make a difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals and families who rely on us each and every day. The funds we raise through our annual Good Neighbor Gala—and throughout the year—are vitally needed in order to help get people off the streets, out of shelters, and on their feet.
We thank all of our sponsors, donors and friends for being partners with us in providing homes, hopes and futures for our neighbors in need.